Topic: 1974 CB550. Racetech Monoshock. JMR Head. Built Engine. "BLAC"

[Stev-o]

I might have to split my case and send it off to get beautified

I sent my H2 cases to him along with the cylinders and heads....no regrets!

[Restoration Fan]

I might have to split my case and send it off to get beautified

I sent my H2 cases to him along with the cylinders and heads....no regrets!

Yeah, I've already spoken with Nils about it but I'll definitely be sending him the pieces of the 550 engine in the not-too-distant future.  Nils does fantastic work.

[BLAC]

My fear is the regrets I get while trying to reassemble and the cost of a million new gaskets, bushings and bearings... 

[BLAC]

True.. Ok, you have persuaded me, I'm going to do it. 

plz send Top Ramen

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

All that and a pack of Skittles, too! 

[BLAC]

All that and a pack of Skittles, too! 

I also sent him my cylinder and head but that went on to Mike Rieck... I hope he got skittles in that one too

[GV1390]

I also sent him my cylinder and head but that went on to Mike Rieck... I hope he got skittles in that one too

The only way to do it.

[BLAC]

Now that the case is coming apart...

I'm thinking lightened/balanced crank by APE and shot peened and balanced rods... then I think I would have a nice fun setup? 

[BLAC]

Also, I bought 2 more gas tanks for mock ups, one of them is a late model (supersport?) tank....

I think I like the original tank shape more, but im undecided, what do you guys think?

[BLAC]

I will have a custom built monoshock from Racetech and currently have the Racetech springs and gold valve emulators up front with brand new TNK fork tubes.

I originally wanted to do inverted forks up front but I decided I want to keep the look of the original forks. 

I am am also going to have Racetech dial in the front end setting (dampening, preload and static sag) while its in their shop, so I think the suspension should be pretty nice once it is all together.

Is there another route you would suggest while keeping the stock forks?

[bwaller]

You should probably dial in those preload/static suspension settings once the bike is complete including the weight of you & your gear.

[BLAC]

Ya, and I don't even have the head/cylinder back. It will be 2 trips, fortunately they are only 45 mins away =)

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I will have a custom built monoshock from Racetech and currently have the Racetech springs and gold valve emulators up front with brand new TNK fork tubes.

I originally wanted to do inverted forks up front but I decided I want to keep the look of the original forks. 

I am am also going to have Racetech dial in the front end setting (dampening, preload and static sag) while its in their shop, so I think the suspension should be pretty nice once it is all together.

Is there another route you would suggest while keeping the stock forks?

Another option to consider is a conventional (right-side-up) set of R6 forks (1998-2004).  2003-2004 offer the best spec - 43 mm telescopic fork w/adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping.  You can run a single brake disc that will be lighter than stock, handle better than stock and brake better than stock.

[riverfever]

Blac I have always liked the look of the Supersport tank but I prefer the orange tank and how it flows with the lines of the seat you have better. This is really going to be a head turner when you're done.

[BLAC]

Blac I have always liked the look of the Supersport tank but I prefer the orange tank and how it flows with the lines of the seat you have better. This is really going to be a head turner when you're done.

I agree with you, I like the early K tank better, it feels a lot more elegant than the super sport, especially in relation to the shape of the seat cowl.

I bought another early tank that I'm going to start chopping up testing a few ideas with knee dents and the like.  I'll post pics when I have something to show

[bill440cars]

Also, I bought 2 more gas tanks for mock ups, one of them is a late model (supersport?) tank....

I think I like the original tank shape more, but im undecided, what do you guys think?

           Just now seeing this and have to agree that the orange tank really adds a lot to the build. Good, to have at least 2 different tanks, to really see just how it would look, which is better than trying to picture it (at least, with my mind, it is better to actually see the difference. LOL 

[BLAC]

As you may have noticed, I fell out of love with the position and angle of the subframe braces I originally made.  So I cut the tacks off of it, threw them to the side and bought another 30" of 7/8 chromoly pipe online.

I spent the last 4 hours getting them exactly how I want them and all fitted up nicely.  I am really happy with the shape now. Tomorrow I hope to make mounts for the monoshock and chop up my spare tank to see what I can make =)

[sethmcalister]

👍100%

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[540nova]

 Is that a Meyerbuilt cowl?


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[bill440cars]

As you may have noticed, I fell out of love with the position and angle of the subframe braces I originally made.  So I cut the tacks off of it, threw them to the side and bought another 30" of 7/8 chromoly pipe online.

I spent the last 4 hours getting them exactly how I want them and all fitted up nicely.  I am really happy with the shape now. Tomorrow I hope to make mounts for the monoshock and chop up my spare tank to see what I can make =)

           You know, that does give it a whole new look. Glad you went with your "2nd" thoughts. Can't wait to see the finished product and hear about the "Shakedown" run. 

[BLAC]

Is that a Meyerbuilt cowl?

Looks like Ian Halcott perhaps?

Yes it is from Cliff Meyers.  He also built the front fender (which I forgot to lay on the tire for the picture  )

[Restoration Fan]

Also, I bought 2 more gas tanks for mock ups, one of them is a late model (supersport?) tank....

I think I like the original tank shape more, but im undecided, what do you guys think?

I like the orange & black one much better.  It fits the lines of the bike much better, IMO.
I'm really enjoying this build.  It's going to be a stunner.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

How are you "doing the math" as to the placement of the swingarm, spring rate necessary, etc.?

[BLAC]

How are you "doing the math" as to the placement of the swingarm, spring rate necessary, etc.?

I have sent photos of the build to RaceTech and am physically taking my whole bike to them and they are doing the actual math for the spring rate, dampening and rideheight.

I have kept them in the loop on my build and ran things by them as I create them.

RaceTech is making the custom monoshock from their GS-3 line.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

How are you "doing the math" as to the placement of the swingarm, spring rate necessary, etc.?

I have sent photos of the build to RaceTech and am physically taking my whole bike to them and they are doing the actual math for the spring rate, dampening and rideheight.

I have kept them in the loop on my build and ran things by them as I create them.

RaceTech is making the custom monoshock from their GS-3 line.

Very cool.  They should have no problem building you a custom monoshock.